Seven studies using experimental and naturalistic methods reveal that upper-class individuals behave more unethically than lower-class individuals. In studies 1 and 2, upper-class individuals were more likely to break the law while driving, relative to lower-class individuals. In follow-up laboratory studies, upper-class individuals were more likely to exhibit unethical decision-making tendencies (study 3), take valued goods from others (study 4), lie in a negotiation (study 5), cheat to increase their chances of winning a prize (study 6), and endorse unethical behavior at work (study 7) than were lower-class individuals. Mediator and moderator data demonstrated that upper-class individuals’ unethical tendencies are accounted for, in part, by their more favorable attitudes toward greed.

Does the fallacy of division preclude us from thinking that the average American is less ethical than.. well, than most of the rest of the world? I hope so! I would like to think that such factors make us no more or less ethical…

Tom Devriendt at Africa is a Country linked to this terrific bit of “Soweto Soul”, the Baninzi music video by The Soil.